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Book review 50 ans après, l’Afrique

by Tidiane Diakité (Arléa, Paris, France, 2011; 312 pp; €22)

Africa, a puzzling paradox. Why is it that a continent with such an abundance of natural resources harbours the poorest people on the planet? In his book 50 ans après, l'Afrique ("50 years later, Africa"), Malian history professor Tidiane Diakité analyzes the state of the continent a half century since its decolonization. Diakité addresses the obvious question that has been haunting Africa's development for decades. He starts by noting that the slave trade and colonial subjugation of Africa's people diverted the continent from its original historical trajectory and turned the African identity into that of an "outcast." Yet in order to claim their rightful place in the game of globalization, Africans need to understand its rules rather than lament the outcome of centuries of disgrace.

In his attempt to shed some light on the popular debates over Africa's slow pace of development, Prof. Diakité examines the common issues known to have set back Africa's advancement. From the evidence of corruption to the lack of democracy and the misuse of aid, he provides the reader with fine lessons on the continent's mishaps, backed up by historical facts. His analysis of the major hindrances to the development of most sub-Saharan countries is concise and precise — but not innovative. The situation is bad, we know. The question is: What do we do about it?

The final two chapters reflect on the future of the continent. Prof. Diakité identifies a number of solutions. Africa, he argues, needs to shed its past image and concentrate on re-evaluating the role of the state and its leaders, emphasizing youth education, encouraging foreign investment and so on. Such obvious solutions have been acknowledged by many, but implemented by few. Prof. Diakité paints an accurate and comprehensible picture, yet breaks little new ground.